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13th annual Smart Energy Summit addresses role of connected devices, utility programs, and renewables for energy management in the home

14% of US broadband households own a smart light bulb 

Parks Associates today announced the agenda for the 13th annual Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer, happening in-person February 28–March 2 at the Omni Hotel in Frisco, TX. The firm announced new research based on a 4Q 2021 survey of more than 10,000 US broadband households, which shows adoption of smart light bulbs has reached 14% of US broadband households. Purchase intentions for all smart energy, lighting, and water devices increased compared to 2020, including 32% of US broadband households who plan to purchase a smart light bulb in the next 12 months.

Smart Energy Summit, a three-day conference sponsored by Rapid Response, Zen Ecosystems, and Particle.io, focuses on strategies to better communicate the benefits of connected products and energy programs that help consumers save money and be an active participant in reducing energy use in their homes.

“Energy management is a key component of the connected home, and utilities are a key distribution point—23% of US broadband households that bought a smart home device in past 12 months made the purchase due to an incentive, discount, or rebate from their energy provider,” said Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO, Parks Associates. “With consumers looking for more comfort and control at home, smart thermostats, lighting, and even appliances form an important baseline in enhancing the consumer experience in the smart home.”

The full agenda can be found online and includes sessions, interactive panels, and keynotes focused on the following topics:

Monday, February 28, Pre-Conference Research Workshop

  • Residential Energy Management: Consumer Engagement Strategies


Tuesday, March 1, Distributed Energy Resources: Expanding Awareness

  • Consumer Engagement: What’s Working and What’s Not
  • Demand Response and Energy Efficiency: Understanding Consumer Behaviors
  • Energy and Security: Bundled Services and Added Value
  • Smart Apartments: Creating New Value and Scaling Up
  • Electric Vehicles: Next Stages of Growth
  • Selling Energy Efficiency: Simplifying the Experience
  • Consumers and Distributed Energy Resources (DER): Impact on the Grid


Wednesday, March 2, Distribution and Channels for Energy Management

  • Home Builders and Net Zero Homes
  • SMBs: Energy Management Solutions
  • Lessons Learned: Partnerships and Adoption of Smart Energy Solutions
  • Utility Programs: Awareness and Usage
  • Clean Energy: Community Renewables and Accessibility

Confirmed Speakers include:

  • Dan Goodman, President, Building36, an Alarm.com company
  • Tray Leslie, Renewable Development Manager - Customer Engagement, Georgia Power
  • Don McPhail, VP of Product, General Manager - Engage Business Line, Uplight
  • Felicite Moorman, Founder, STRATIS; VP of CommunityConnect, RealPage
  • John Towle, CEO, EcoSmart Solution
  • Wannie Park, CEO, Zen Ecosystems


Smart Energy Summit will also host virtual sessions throughout the year on April 7, June 30, August 4, and November 17. Sessions address the changing dynamics in the consumer energy markets and extend the learning and networking experiences throughout the learning.

To register, visit the event website. To schedule an interview or to request data, contact Rosey Sera, rosey@parksassociates.com, 972-490-1113.

About Smart Energy Summit

Parks Associates’ 15th annual Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer is co-located with DISTRIBUTECH 2024 on February 27-28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.  Smart Energy Summit addresses energy and renewables technology trends in the residential and small-to-medium business markets.

Industry players join expert panels and networking sessions to address the expansion and monetization of energy management and other energy-focused offerings through consumer engagement, new business models, unique partnerships, and innovative technologies.

The conference also features 2024 virtual sessions January 23, July 23, and October 10. Follow the event on Twitter/X at @SmartEnergySmt and #SmartEnergy24. For information on speaking, sponsoring, or attending Smart Energy Summit, visit www.smartenergysmt.com.